Jabbok (2)

Jabbok

Wady Zerka, the modern name of this stream (which must be carefully distinguished from the Zerka Main, farther south, near Callirrhoe), has been explored by Dr. Merrill, whose account closes thus (East of the Jordan, page 381): "Its winding course is remarkable, making it in this regard unlike any other river of Syria. The Jordan is more crooked, having almost innumerable short bends; but the Jabbok sweeps far out into the desert, then doubles back upon itself, and forces its way through a mountain The valley is seventy or more miles in length, and is exceedingly fertile. Along its head-waters lived a great and powerful race, which existed from the earliest advent of the Hebrews in this region clear down to a period subsequent to the time of Christ.... Its capacities are great, because every acre can be reached by irrigation canals. Even at present it is very extensively cultivated. and contains many line farms. On the hill-sides there are. at certain points, some unused canals, of which a few can be traced to a distance of five or eight miles"